The all-round performance pleased skipper Root. He told the BBC: “It is right up there as one of my best wins. We were in control for the majority of the game which shows how skilful and consistent we have been.

“As a group we have all contributed in some form but to see young inexperienced guys put together really important match-winning performances is really pleasing. It shows the plans are right, the preparation is right.”

Man-of-the-match Foakes said his Test debut was a “dream come true”. He added: “To be able to contribute to the team is just amazing. It has been one of the best weeks of my career so far, if not the best.”

The second Test of the three-match series takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy and starts on 14 November.